The fly angler uses a rod longer and lighter then used for spin fishing. For Atlantic salmon fishing, the rod may vary in length from between 8 ft for a one-handed rod to as long as 14 ft for spey rod fishing. On the Miramichi the most commonly used rod might be 8 to 10 ft and 8-10 wt with a reel that can handle at least one hundred yards of backing. For lines everyone has their own preference but the average fisherman and the novice angler usually use weight forward floating lines in the summer and fall, and sinking lines in the spring.
As for flies there are many types used; wet, dry, bugs, bombers, streamers, flies for fast water, flies for slow water, flies for high water and flies for low water. Sometimes fly patterns change daily throughout the season, depending on conditions. Most river guides and local fly shops are willing to help out with suggestions for the right selection of fly for whatever condition.